Today is Wednesday, July 23, and here is what's happening in Southern California politics:

Headlines

KPCC considers why President Obama will be at LA Trade Tech College tomorrow. "The stop at Trade Tech takes the president out of the ritzy neighborhoods of his fundraisers and places him in front of many people who are struggling to complete their education and find a way to make a living. This is Los Angeles - where the gap between the rich and the poor is wide," per the station.

Streetsblog LA writes about what message Mayor Eric Garcetti sent by hiring Seleta Reynolds to run the Department of Transportation. "By seeing Los Angeles through fresh eyes will help her see it for what it is, and what it can be, instead of being paralyzed by false fears of what it can not be and what we can not do," according to the site.

State Sen. Ron Calderon's bribery trial will not start until May of next year, reports the Los Angeles Times. An attorney for the suspended senator, who has pleaded not guilty, says the defense needs that time to sort through all the documents in the case.

Previously in Represent!

Represent! is your eye on how well government serves citizens and the public interest in Southern California. KPCC's politics and government team posts frequently on transparency, civic engagement, reform efforts and accountability. We invite your comments and suggestions — follow us on Twitter at the links below.